It was a weekend like any other in the United States, the UK and elsewhere, but in Ireland it was St Patrick's weekend, a time for national celebration, sometimes raucous, always uplifting.

But March 17, 2020, was like no other at home. That evening the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, came on national television to address the nation on the fight against Covid-19. He was watched and listened to widely. In homes around the country that night, and the following morning and into the week, the mood was noticeably different, almost like a changing of the light.

The opinion poll published in this newspaper today was taken in 20 countries worldwide, including Ireland, in the hours and days that followed Mr Varadkar's address. In that context, then, it is perhaps not surprising that the huge level of concern to be found among Irish citizens was registered at 61pc, just behind China (62pc) and way ahead of the UK (25pc) and the US (24pc).

That Ireland was the second most-concerned nation on Earth, marginally behind the country where the coronavirus outbreak first occurred, is striking, but not worrying. In fact, it can be presented as a positive, that the message hit home early and that the people of Ireland are prepared to rise to the challenge.

There are other stark realities laid bare in the Kantar opinion poll too, not least that just 7pc think the economy will recover quickly once the threat from coronavirus has receded.

At this remove there is no way of knowing for sure when and at what pace the economy will recover, although the longer the crisis continues the less likely a speedy return to normal. Again, however, there is a positive to be drawn from this finding and it is for our politicians in the business of putting together a government to take on board.

Firstly, it is that the phase of the outbreak is reflected in the findings: it is no coincidence that most European countries register the same level of pessimism. And secondly, whether or not the economy recovers quickly - and we all hope it does - there is an underlying awareness among the public that the road ahead will be difficult, perhaps very difficult, and that no one or combination of political parties can be held to blame.

That said, it would be foolish indeed, as several of our writers have said this weekend, not to begin preparations now for that recovery and the better the preparations the speedier will be Ireland's return to economic good health.

The poll is interesting in myriad other ways too. Yes, there is concern, even anxiety, but there is resilience, too, underlying it all. One-fifth (20pc) are worried about themselves and their loved ones but one-fifth (19pc) also profess themselves ready to take this crisis head-on and are enthusiastic about us all reacting and sticking together.

A mere 2pc believe there is too much fear around and that the situation will not get that serious. Furthermore, a significant 39pc say that being prepared and well informed is fundamental at this moment, through official State websites and the mainstream national media.

It is this good common sense, not to mention admirable stoicism, that will get us all through in the end.